The Lost Gardens of Heligan

"SLEEPING GODDESS AT THE LOST GARDENS OF HELIGAN" by Loco Steve is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0.

Recovered from the sands of time in 1990, the Lost Gardens of Heligan had been largely untouched since the First World War when the Heligan workforce were called away to fight for our country. Three decades since the great restoration began, the gardens are a treasure trove of inspiration, history, and atmosphere.

Heligan now spans 200 acres of pasture, woodland, and spectacular gardens. Meandering paths lead you through Victorian Productive Gardens complete with an apple-tree archway and melon house, past ornate water features and through the Italian Gardens. A Woodland Walk skirts one edge of the grounds, and the Jungle winds down the valley in a mass of tree ferns, rhododendrons and bamboo which flank a tiered series of ponds.

Throughout the estate, homage is payed to the previous gardeners of Heligan who were injured or lost their lives in the war, and the gardens have been restored in their memory. Exhibitions and plaques give insight into what life was like in the gardens before they were lost, and likewise the story of how they have been carefully restored.

The Heligan Kitchen serves delicious food from the bounty of home-grown produce and meat, and there is a wonderful shop and plant centre. All year round there are numerous events at Heligan, including light shows, harvests, and open-air plays, so it is well worth checking to see what’s on when you plan your visit. In addition, locals can benefit from free re-entry for a year with the locals pass.